Damascus Baptist Church

The following is an excerpt from from Rev. J. W.
Joyner's book A History of the Baptists in Butler County (1819-1957).
Surnames have been capitolized for easier visualization.

From an old record we quote the following as to time organized,
by whom, and the names of the charter members:

"The State of Alabama, Butler County, Whereas, at a meeting
held by Jesse LEE in the neighborhood of Friendship meeting house, it pleased
the great head of the church to pour out his spirit on the people so that
many turned to the Lord. And the persons whose names are recorded below
have been baptized upon a profession of their faith in Christ by Elder
Jesse LEE, missionary for the Alabama Baptist Association, we, Jesse LEE
and James HARGWOOD, an ordained deacon, formed a presbytery and constituted
a regular Baptist Church on the 25th day of Stepember A. D. One Thousand
Eight Hundred and Forty-Seven, upon the declaration of faith published by
the names of Damascus." This was signed by Jesse LEE, clerk pro-tem, and
James HARGWOOD.

The old record shows that thirty-five females of the negro
race were enlisted as members. Some of the names were Rhosa THORNTON, Mariah
THORNTON, Patience, the servant of R. GIPSON and Malinda WREN. There were
fourteen male members of the negro race.

Feeling that the present generation would appreciate reading
an old minute of a conference held 109 years ago, I am publishing a copy
of the minute of the third Sunday in June, 1848:

"First, the doors of the church were open to receive members;
one came forward, Jane COOK. 2nd. Call for matters of records, the case
of Bro. RABUN was brought forward, and he was admitted unto the full fellowship
of the church. 3rd. Bro. John McQUIN was excluded. 4th. Call for general
business, none. 5th. Brethren McLEAN and John THOMAS were appointed to
visit Bro. DICKSON on a charge of profain swearing. 6th. A charge of unchristian
conduct was brought against brethren William THOMAS and UPTON that was
laid over. 7th Motion for adjournment. -- Adjourned. Stephen F. ANDRESS,
Ch. Clerk Protem."

Damascus is not only the oldest active church in the Association,
but is one of the strongest. From this church community many people have
gone into different places over the country. One of the greatest events
of this church is the Homecoming the Third Sunday in July each year. The
writer was pastor of this fine church for two years, and from a personal
knowledge can testify to the loyalty of this church.

Two years ago the old church building was replaced with
a new building in keeping with the growing spirit of her membership. This
old church sent out to bless the world Rev. Judson M. COOK, J. L. P. COOK,
Charley COOK, Leland TINDAL, and our own R. Z. MULLINS.